WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Afternoon heat fuels scattered storms

Scattered showers arrive at the start of Memorial Day weekend

ATLANTA FORECAST

Saturday: High: 84

Saturday night: Low: 69

Sunday: High: 80

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

The holiday weekend is expected to be a rainy, windy and stormy one, but today should see the least amount of rain.

The predicted chance of rain is 40 percent, but Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said the storm patterns shouldn’t hover much over the same places.

“The showers and storms will move a little faster than they have the last couple of days, so I think the potential for flash flooding is a little lower today,” Monahan said.

Rain is beginning to creep into the metro area due to the higher afternoon temperatures. It’s currently 85 degrees, which is one degree above the predicted high. The faster moving clouds means pockets of sunshine should sneak through between showers, Monahan said.

"It's not a washout for your Saturday,” Monahan said. “Just know a chance of rain anywhere, anytime."

However, today and tomorrow are mostly precursors to when Subtropical Storm Alberto hits the mainland United States on Monday.

RELATED: What is a subtropical storm and why you should care

Channel 2 Chief meteorologist Glenn Burns described it as a “nightmare” for those near the Gulf Coast.

RELATED: MEMORIAL DAY WEATHER: Have a rain plan for outdoor celebrations

“I’m really afraid with all the people along the Gulf Coast,” Burns said. “It’s going to be mayhem down there. There’s going to be everybody trying to evacuate at the same time.”

He said Florida could see up to a foot of rain, and North Georgia can expect 3 to 5 inches at least. The chance of rain jumps to 60 percent on Sunday and 80 percent on Monday.

Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency across the state this morning.

The silver lining for travelers is if the rain doesn’t let up, construction delays on state roadways will continue.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending construction-related lane closures until 5 a.m. Tuesday on interstates and limiting lane closures on state routes that directly serve major tourist and recreation centers, the agency said in a tweet.

Roads can still be wet in many areas around the metro area, which can increase the chances of wrecks and congestion as people head to various events around town.

MomoCon kicked off the third day of its four-day anime and gaming convention earlier this morning at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Country music fans will hope the roads stay clear until this afternoon. Kenny Chesney headlines a concert tonight at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which should cause congestion nearby. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m.

If country isn't your thing, the Atlanta Jazz Festival started this morning at 11 a.m. in Piedmont Park.

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